As I was spending a little time in quiet and reflection this morning, I found this testimony from a person living with AIDS in South Africa. I was impressed with the hopefulness in the midst of very difficult circumstances. We have a lot to learn from people like this. We also have a lot of work to do to irradicate AIDS and help those who are struggling as a result of the disease. One small way we are doing that is by giving money towards a well in Uganda at a school where many of the children are orphans because of the AIDS virus.
Here is one man's testimony of hope for the future:
The Community, friends, and family sometimes discriminate against and discourage us who are HIV-positive. Friends may avoid us because they think that people will assume they are also HIV-positive if they are seen with us. Family members may push us away because they believe our HIV status lowers the family’s dignity.
Yet I have hope. God saved South Africa during apartheid and the time of bloodshed among our people. We prayed for peace during elections, and there was peace. God is with us, and God’s presence can bring miracles. We who are HIV positive can forgive, forget, stop pointing fingers, and refuse to retaliate in anger toward those who discriminate and belittle. This is the way of Christ.
- Mathabo L. (South Africa)Prayers for Encouragement: Hope for Persons Living with HIV and AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, and Other Serious Diseases
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